Boat­ing Lake Coun­ty Blog

Being a two weeks into summer, I’m sure you’re searching for the best place to unfurl a towel, sink your feet in the sand, splash around and garner a healthy bronze from some sun rays.Lake County isn’t named that way because of the land above sea level. It’s because we have over 75 inland lakes across this great and beautiful area. Let’s find you a nice beach for you to have some tom-foolery, because…

SUMMER TIIIIIIME!!!!!!! The sun is out, the days are long, and there’s no better time to rent a boat! Don’t stress about hauling a boat from home when there are plenty of places to find a rental here in Lake County. Whether you’re looking for a speed boat, a pontoon, a kayak or a rowboat… we got you covered this summer! Barnacle Bobs Rent fishing boats from 14-16 ft., and pontoon boats up to…

Is drag racing your forte? There’s a rumble and a thunder on the Chain O’ Lakes as Blarney Island in Antioch hosts the 36th season of Drag Boat Racing. These races take place every Thursday night until Labor Day. Then there’s the track. It’s a lot more organized than your 18th or 19th version of the Fast and the Furious movie (seriously how many of those movies are there). The approximate length of the…

Think you have what it takes to reel in the biggest catch? Well, put your line where you mouth is and come out to the Annual Fishing Derby this Saturday (June 6th) at 7:00am at Bevier Park in Waukegan. Prizes will be award to those who catch the biggest fish (by age categories). Early registration allows contestants to enter the pond area early to have their chance at the big haul first. Ages 12…

Summer is around the corner and that means warm weather (finally!). So let us get out our sunscreen and throw on our bathing suits, it is time to hit the water. But before you test the waters, why not test your safety knowledge at the Great Lakes Water Safety Class. This class will help you identify signs of a struggle, danger, and even drowning. This Water Safety class will also demonstrate how a floatation…

Sure the weather today doesn’t give you the hunger for boating, but this week, we kick of National Safe Boating Week from May 16 – May 22 in Lake County. The 2015 campaign is simply ‘Wear it.’ Wear your safety jacket when you’re going on a joy ride. This week is designated to ensure the safety of all boaters across the state of Illinois. Some of the new laws implemented this year were: People…

The Chain O’Lakes has an extensive history dating back to the mid-1800s when passengers were transported by steam paddle-wheelers as well as goods up and down between the Fox and McHenry Rivers in Spring Grove. The Chain O' Lakes have three natural lake: Grass Lake, Lake Marie and Nippersink Lake,, while the other seven lakes are connected by the Fox River like Bluff Lake, Fox Lake, Pistakee Lake, Channel Lake, Petite Lake, Lake Catherine…

Last week, we touched on the new conservation laws implemented for boaters in Lake County. To recap the SB 3434 law suggests that a Lake County boater could have their boat seized if a sizeable amount of liquor or 10 + cartons of cigarettes are on board. The law also indicates that if drugs or alchohol is used in a high amount and cause bodily harm, disfigurement or death to another individual you could…

The Northern Illinois Boat Show opened their doors from Thursday-Sunday last week at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, and there were an abundance of gorgeous vessels. Attendees met with many different Lake County exhibitors like Munson Marine, Fox Lake Harbor, Skipper Bud’s, Great Lakes Yacht Sales and Chain-O-Lakes Charters, just to name a few. We also learned a few things at the Boat Show about new laws in Lake County. There were two…

The way the weather has been, it seems like spring will never come around. However, here’s something promising: The Northern Illinois Boat Show and Sale 2015! Join Boatinglakecounty at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake where they will have over 200 new and used boats on hand from February 26-March 1. While having 50+ boats on display, you have a chance to win a brand new, free Lund fishing boat boat. Continue here to…